Global market review of automotive roof systems - NEW UPDATED forecasts to 2016

Since just-auto's last edition of automotive roof systems was published in August 2008, the outlook for the automotive industry has significantly changed. From the beginning of 2008, we were looking at a ‘managed slowdown’ for the global economy and the automotive industry was very much part of that. By the end of 2008, however, major companies were struggling to keep their heads above water in the face of collapsed automotive markets. And now, things may seem to be a little more stable, but the industry is far from recovering.

Given recent events, just-auto has completely revised its estimates and forecasts of the automotive roof systems market volumes and values. This is still our August 2008 edition, but the report now carries an addendum setting out our revised forecasts for automotive roof systems based on latest forecasting analysis for passenger car vehicle assembly in North America, Western Europe and Japan from 2005 through to 2016.

In addition, and given the sheer volatility of the global economy at present, we have set out ‘expected’, ‘best-case’ and ‘worst-case’ scenario data applied to automotive roof systems. On balance, we believe this will provide readers with a more realistic framework for our component forecasts.

Roof systems are becoming part of a car's identity, and an increasing number of automakers are offering models featuring large glass roofs. One benefit is the sense of openness and freedom, and the selection on offer nowadays is varied, ranging from the closed panoramic glass roof (Peugeot 307 SW, 407 SW, and Citroën C4) and so-called twin panels, to multi-panels (Renault Espace IV) and the lamella sunroof (Fiat Stilo).

The car industry has discovered that the roof is an area where it can make money, and manufacturers report an "unbelievable" amount of interest in large sunroofs. The trend towards glass roof systems, with big openings that can be adjusted even during driving, gives the best of both worlds: saving on cost (compared to a convertible) and adding more versatility to the car.

Our fourth edition of the just-auto vehicle roof systems report investigates the trends in roof systems, and provides an overview of the markets, main players and the latest technical innovations.

Chapter 1: Introduction - Brief explanation of the sector.

Chapter 2: The market - In this chapter we take an in-depth look at the markets. We provide commentary on the market trends, the main players and the emerging markets China, India and Mexico.

Exclusive interviews with Walter Pecho, managing director of Edscha Convertible Roof Systems and Karsten Huelsemann, executive director, New Business Development, Marketing and Communications, Karmann, in which they discuss their products and market trends are also included.

We provide forecasts in this chapter that show how the conventional sunroof, large roof, retractable hard-top and soft-top roof system market will evolve in Western Europe, North America and Japan from 2004 through to 2014, plus market share by manufacturer (Europe, North America and Globally) for OE sunroofs is offered. Webasto led the global sunroof market for passenger car and light truck applications in 2007 with a 32% share, followed by Inalfa and ArvinMeritor.

Chapter 3: Technical review - We include an exclusive interview with executives of Lanxess, about the company's technologies in vehicle roof design and the forces driving the increased use of plastic-metal hybrid technology in the vehicle roofs.

The latest innovations are also investigated, such as retractable roof systems, convertible innovations and sunroof innovations, for example the ArvinMeritor convertible-like, large-opening multi-panel roof system installed in the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7.

Tomorrow's roofs are also looked at. We discuss technologies in development, such as transparency control devices, and Electrochromic sunroofs.

Chapter 4: Manufacturers - This chapter provides profiles of the major manufacturers, namely ArvinMeritor, ASC Inc, Edscha, Heuliez, Inalfa Roof Systems BV, Karmann, Pininfarina and Webasto. Read about their customers, products, facilities, sales, and mergers and acquisitions.